9- Ashley Kester
**Embracing the Journey: Navigating Breastfeeding Challenges and Cybersecurity in Small Businesses**
In the latest episode of the Small Business Bestie podcast, Michelle and Ashley Kester tackle some pretty significant issues for both moms facing breastfeeding challenges and small business owners dodging cybersecurity threats. Imagine the blend of heartfelt support with the savvy tips for running a tight ship in business—this episode has it all.
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy. So many moms out there are navigating a maze of advice that often clashes between pediatricians and lactation consultants. That’s where Ashley Kester, our fabulous guest and a board-certified lactation consultant, steps in. Operating across Lexington, Richmond, and Georgetown with her business Hometown Lactation, Ashley is on a mission to make the breastfeeding journey a bit smoother for moms.
What makes Ashley’s story even more relatable is her personal struggle with breastfeeding, which inspired her to become a lactation consultant almost four years ago. With her extensive nursing background, Ashley decided to offer the kind of support she found lacking when she needed it most. And guess what? Moms in central Kentucky are all the better for it, especially those dealing with specific challenges like tongue ties and torticollis.
Ashley and Michelle also discussed the limits of hospital-based lactation support. New moms often struggle in hospitals, especially before their milk comes in fully. With Ashley’s private practice, moms get the in-depth, ongoing support they truly need. If you’ve ever felt unheard or lost amidst conflicting advice, this part of the episode is a must-listen.
But let’s switch gears to something every small business owner fears: the dreaded cyberattack. Michelle shared her hair-raising experience of her Facebook business account getting hacked. Picture this: unauthorized ads, fraudulent transactions—it was a mess. This situation drilled home the importance of strong, auto-generated passwords and the need to change them often. If you’re a small business owner, take this as a solid lesson on guarding your digital doors.
Recovering from a hack is no walk in the park. Michelle had to create a new business page, inform her networks, and deal with the old, hacked page still being tagged. It was tough, but her grit and determination shone through. This story is packed with insights on managing and overcoming cyber threats, and a gentle reminder to always be prepared.
Let’s talk about something we all strive for: work-life balance. Both hosts share their strategies and struggles on this front, making us all feel a bit more understood. Ashley discusses her dual role in mentoring employees while also caring deeply for her clients. Rapid growth often means hiring help, like coaches and contractors, to manage the load—but balancing these responsibilities is no small feat.
Michelle also reflects on how she transitioned from private practice to managing a team. She shared some great leadership resources, emphasizing effective communication and boundary setting. Clear work hours and handy communication services are crucial in managing clients, contractors, and personal obligations without burning out.
Lastly, dealing with a dip in social media followers can be a real bummer, something Ashley is currently experiencing with her business. Michelle suggests upping visibility by tagging relevant posts to lift the engagement. Also, if you’ve been putting off setting up your Google My Business page, it’s not as intimidating as it seems and can really boost your local presence.
Episodes like this one from Small Business Bestie are a treasure trove of personal experiences and professional wisdom, helping listeners navigate everything from motherhood to entrepreneurship. Michelle and Ashley's candid chats are not only informative but also incredibly inspiring. They encourage us to chase our dreams, embrace the learning process, and reach out for support when we need it.
Don’t forget to keep tuning in for more enriching discussions and share your stories. After all, we’re all in this together, building a supportive community of small business besties.
Find Ashley on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hometownlactation
or online at https://hometownlactation.com/
Connect with Michelle on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/smallbusinessbesties
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